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The Franklin City Council voted Monday, Feb. 26, to appoint Dr. Peggy Scott to the Ward 6 seat on the Franklin City School Board to serve the remainder of an unexpired term that will end June 30.

Voting for Scott were Ward 3 Councilman Gregory McLemore, Ward 6 Councilwoman Jessica G. Banks, Ward 1 Councilman Mark R. Kitchen and Ward 5 Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Wynndolyn H. Copeland. 

Abstaining were Ward 4 Councilman Dr. Linwood Johnson and Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins.

Ward 2 Councilman Ray Smith was not present at the meeting.

The Ward 6 school board seat became vacant Nov. 30 when Jerry McCreary resigned due to continued health issues.

The council received one nomination at a Jan. 8 public hearing on the matter but voted to hold the second hearing to allow for other nominees. 

At the council’s Feb. 12 meeting, the second hearing took place during which Ward 4 School Board Member and Board Vice Chair Cristina Boone nominated Jheresa Barnes, and Lahoma Jones nominated Scott.

On the agenda for the City Council’s Feb. 26 meeting was consideration of appointment to the Ward 6 school board seat.

As Franklin City Manager Amanda C. Jarratt introduced the agenda item, she noted that the council had conducted interviews with Barnes and Scott earlier that evening.

“The public hearing for this position was held at your previous meeting,” Jarratt said. “For the record, no one can be considered for the school board who was not nominated at that public hearing, so tonight, as at your (Jan. 22) meeting, you have three choices before you.”

The three choices were as follows:

• Choose to appoint a nominated and interviewed individual;
• Choose to think about it and have this item placed on an upcoming meeting agenda; or
• Instruct the staff to advertise for an additional public hearing.

McLemore made a motion that the council nominate Scott, Banks seconded it, and the vote followed.

PEGGY SCOTT

During her nomination of Scott on Feb. 12, Jones said, “I believe Dr. Scott will be an excellent candidate to represent our school district. Her professional career as a social worker and a champion for children’s rights make her an excellent choice to advocate on behalf of our school division.”

Jones noted that Scott is a proponent of education and has a passion to empower people.

“I’ve personally benefited from her wisdom and insight as it relates to advancing professionally and academically,” Jones said. “Lastly I believe her leadership and community involvement can assist the board with making informed decisions that will meet the needs of our students and schools.”